LADY'S BEDSTRAW (Galium Verum)

20 cm bare-root super plug (perennial)

Lady's Bedstraw is a graceful native wildflower that brightens meadows, grasslands and roadside verges with clouds of tiny golden-yellow flowers. The plant forms delicate sprays of blossom held above fine, needle-like foliage, creating a soft, airy appearance that adds texture and movement to wildflower displays. Steeped in folklore and history, Lady's Bedstraw was traditionally used for stuffing mattresses and scenting homes, contributing to its charming and evocative common name.

This hardy perennial thrives in sunny, open locations and is particularly well suited to well-drained soils, including chalk, limestone and sandy ground. It is commonly found in species-rich meadows, coastal grasslands and dry banks, where it flourishes without the need for rich soil conditions. Lady's Bedstraw is highly tolerant of drought once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance wildflower meadows and naturalistic planting schemes.

Lady's Bedstraw is highly beneficial to wildlife, producing masses of nectar-rich flowers throughout the summer. The blooms attract a wide variety of pollinating insects, including bees, hoverflies and butterflies, while 15 moth species use the plant as a larval food source, including the Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Bedstraw Hawk-moth and Elephant Hawk-moth. By supporting both pollinating insects and developing caterpillars, it plays a valuable role in maintaining healthy meadow ecosystems. Its dense growth habit also provides valuable shelter for insects and other small creatures, helping to increase biodiversity within meadow habitats.

Flowering from June to September, Lady's Bedstraw produces a long-lasting display of cheerful yellow blooms and typically grows to a height of 30-70cm. The bright flowers contrast beautifully with purple-flowering species such as Black Knapweed, Betony and Field Scabious, creating the classic colour combinations associated with traditional British wildflower meadows. Whether included in a conservation project, wildlife garden or species-rich meadow, Lady's Bedstraw offers beauty, resilience and outstanding value for pollinators throughout the summer months.